Shepherd’s Purse

Capsella Bursa-pastoris

Growing to 40cm (16in) in height. Esteemed the world over for its green, flat heart-shaped fruits in the spring. Tiny four-petaled flowers grow in clusters with basal leaves.

Family: Brassicaceae

Which probiotic is it in?: Shepherd’s purse is a key herb in Bio-Live Women.

Habit and cultivation: Native to Europe and considered a weed, it now grows throughout the world. It is the second most prolific wild plant in the world. Grows in most soils, cultivated or wild areas and wastelands everywhere.

Actions (known for): Anti-haemorrhagic (systemically), anti-haemorrhagic (topically), styptic, anti-haemorrhagic (uterine), anti-inflammatory and diuretic.

History of Shepherd’s Purse

‘Capsella’ in Latin translates to little box, referring to the fruit commonly called Shepherd’s purse. A well known medicine during ancient Greek and Roman periods for diarrhoea, dysentery and stomach cramps. The Native Americans also used it for the same complaints.